All Things Flaming C

The injury bug has given rise to a pleasant little Flames footnote. Not only are the local yokels right in the playoff melange, they are showcasing their 2012 prodigal son Sven Baertschi. The Swiss stud has 3 snipes in his 4 games including a beauty 17 seconds into tonight’s 4-1 victory over the Phoenix Coyotes. Sooner than later this love-in will end as Lee Stemp and Lance Romance Bouma will be deemed healthy and our new eye-apple will be returned to Portland of the WHL…with a boatload of sweet stories including the tale of the fans chanting his name late in the 3rd period. Yes folks, that is the sad reality, he won’t be around for long. Drink him in while you can.

As the heroes usually alternate between the Iginla’s, the Tanguay’s, Jokinen’s and of course Kippa, Matty (Please don’t call me The Franchise; in Jest) Stajan enjoyed his finest hour Tuesday eve as he culminated a pivotal overtime with a rare winner against San Jose. To the Stajan bashers chagrin, he sniped another against the Yotes and has been playing some pretty decent hockey, in whatever role he is thrust.

With tonight’s victory, the logjam that is the Western Conference intensified and 7th thru 11th is split by 3 points. The Flames sit 1 point out with 11 games to go. This year’s playoff dash has the Flames in a better scenario with more games left to play. Last season they were trying to keep up with too many games burnt. Could they make it in this year? They are certainly playing with panache and confidence. The worst face off team in the NHL, anemic power play, weak farm system, and over paid bums- common shortfalls and catcalls directed at your beloved Flaming C; yet here they sit- 9 games over .500 and one of the hottest teams in the NHL. Maybe now is the time to hand out the accolades to the GM and Coach. Let’s just wait on that. All good things are forgotten if the dancing and drinks don’t lead to sealing of the deal. A very romantic prospect indeed.

The Edmonton Oilers play host Friday night in a clash of Smythe Division combatants. While the Oiler squad has all the future stars a roster could desire, they are clearly not ready for taking part in any competition in April or May that doesn’t involve Best Ball or Slow Pitch parameters. Any team can play spoiler and Hater Nation would like nothing more than to stick it to the good guys. With the Flames recent success, they will not be easily derailed. I challenge the fine fans to bust out their car flags and call into the Fan 960 and exclaim your unwavering love for the Calgary hockey heroes. On second thought, nothing is more intimidating than quiet confidence.